Concussion Facts

Fast Facts

A concussion is a brain injury and all are serious.
Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
Recognition and proper response to concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.
 
Concussion Resources
 
Concussions With Youth

If you think your athlete has

sustained a concussion…

don't assess it yourself

Take him/her out of play

and seek the advice of a health care professional

 
Possible Concussion?

How Can I Recognize a Possible Concussion?

To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes:

  • Forceful bump/ blow/ jolt to head/ body results in rapid movement of the head.

AND

  • Any change in the athlete's behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

Athletes who experience any of the signs and symptoms listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body should be kept out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says they are symptom-free and it's OK to return to play.

Signs & Symptoms

Concussions Can Affect Kids and Teens in the Classroom

Photo: Sarah As an A-student and star soccer player, Sarah is accustomed to hard work. However, after she sustained a concussion during a varsity soccer game, her freshman year in high school she found herself taking on a new challenge.

Read more of Sarah's Story Adobe PDF file

 
Keeping Quiet
 
What You Can Not See

Remember, you can't see a concussion and some athletes may not experience and/or report symptoms until hours or days after the injury. Most people with a concussion will recover quickly and fully. But for some people, signs and symptoms of concussion can last for days, weeks, or longer.